Course Profile - Curriculum Services Canada

Planning Notes
• This activity is ideally completed as a 30-second video commercial. Therefore, teachers book the
necessary video equipment and, if possible, editing equipment, to ensure completion of the students’
work. If video equipment is not available, teachers might try to acquire either Bristol board or chart
paper to be used by students for a formal presentation of their storyboard for the commercial.
• The teacher may wish to conference with the teacher librarian, as this activity provides students with
a research component. In some cases this research is conducted in the library. In some cases it is
research of a more practical nature, where students are surveying their peers or staff within the
school.
• Invite students to share their final products with an audience beyond their classroom, (e.g., the
guidance department, Grade 8 open house visitors, physical education class, the chaplaincy team).
Prior Knowledge Required
• proper use of a video camera, as acquired in Unit 2, Activity 4
• the signposts of the media world, as acquired in Unit 5, Activity 5
Teaching/Learning Strategies
• Describe and outline the expectations of the assignment.
• Students brainstorm possible topics for the public service commercial. Possibilities include:
• environmental awareness;
• anti-racism;
• charitable fundraising for organizations such as UNICEF and Sharelife;
• informational video on Covenant House, Children’s Aid or comparable organization;
• anti-smoking;
• anti-violence;
• responsible driving;
• volunteerism;
• healthy body image;
• special events within the school, (e.g., Grade 9 orientation, student council elections, club activities,
sporting events);
• promotional video of the school targeted to Grade 8 students.
• Students gather into groups of four or five and select a topic.
• Students research information about their product/service and about their target audience, in terms of
promotional techniques they would employ to capture that audience.
• Students then craft a rationale where they outline and describe in some detail the following facets of
their commercial presentation: Who is your audience? What is the purpose of your commercial, i.e., is
it promotional, informational or cautionary? What is the content of your presentation? What are the
roles and responsibilities, as well as the intended schedule for the completion of your project?
• The teacher approves the rationale before students proceed to the scripting, storyboarding, and filming
of their commercial.
• Students engage in the writing process to prepare a script. Steps include brainstorming, drafting,
revising, conferencing, and publishing.
Unit 5 - Page 18
•English - Academic